BUBBEH LEE & ME

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BUBBEH LEE & ME

Family, Identity & Aging with Chutzpah

"Make a stand, put your best foot forward...and don't take any crap!" – Bubbeh Lee, from film

This Emmy-nominated documentary is a hilarious portrait of an extraordinary, ordinary grandmother and a touching account of her grandson's search for his place in the world. Whether taking daily excursions to the grocery store to return under-ripe produce or sharing hard-won wisdom over blintzes on Rosh Hashanah, Lee Abrahams is a woman who lives life on her own terms. For her grandson, a young gay man born to a Jewish mother and Protestant father, 87-year old bubbeh Lee is a vital link to self and cultural identity, and to unconditional love and acceptance. As the two of them relate feelings of love lost or hidden, kibbitz about strategies for shopping, and avoid meddling matchmakers, the strength of their bond emerges.

A spirited reflection aging, identity, alienation and acceptance, this already classic film examines the legacies passed through generations and shows that the journey of self-discovery can begin at any age. (1996, 35 min.)

Funny and poignant... a portrait of a complex and rich relationship.”

— Video Librarian

Producer/Director/WriterAndy Abrahams Wilson

EditorsAndy Abrahams WilsonRon Ward

Emmy Award NominationNational Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Outstanding DocumentaryAcademy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

Best DocumentaryCINE/Colorlab Awards

Best Documentary ShortSilver Images Film Festival

Reviews

Reviews

"Much more meaningful and lesson-filled than the 'multicultural education' texts being used in most classrooms... a wonderful, touching film that will inspire and encourage viewers to think more deeply about their own roots and how these inform the way they experience the world."– Paul Gorski, School of Education, University of Virginia

"A wonderful film... exemplifies that one is never too young or old to learn or adapt. A great film for programming with diverse communities and for intergenerational studies. An important addition in both public and academic libraries."– Vincent P. Andrzejewski, Audiovisual Manager, St. Louis County Library

"Very warm and touching... a simple treasure."– The Hollywood Reporter

"Warm, intimate and funny!"– TV Guide

"Funny and poignant... a portrait of a complex and rich relationship."– Video Librarian

"You'll be laughing with disbelief at her chutzpah... Bubbeh Lee not only shows a grandmother giving it straight to her sweet and patient gay grandson, but speaks volumes on identity, generational issues, culture and family."– Kimberly Yutani, Southern Voice

"Beautifully made... should be required for every parent and grandparent who has just discovered their gay [grand]son's or daughter's sexual orientation."– John Mandes, Out Front Colorado

"Sensitive and lighthearted... an excellent example of how the closeness of family can break through intolerance and misunderstandings about lesbians and gay men."– Don Romesberg, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

"Enormously funny and poignant... the finely-honed rituals of Jewish eating, matchmaking, and the high art of fruit picking (and return of unwanted produce) are masterfully documented."– Marlene Roberts, The Jewish Journal

"Delightful and enlightening... a moving look at the importance of knowing our family history."– Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

"Plenty of sweetness and humor... if you have a Jewish grandmother--or just know one--it's required viewing."– John Blanco, Bay Area Reporter

"Priceless!... the affection leaps off the screen... a star will be born tonight at age 89!"– Tom Jicha, Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The joy it brings and the undeniable love it exudes is contagious... Bubbeh touches a chord because she is celebration and remorse, fragility and strength, tenderness and toughness and, mostly, honesty."– Sheila Nevins, Senior Vice-President, HBO

"Skillfully provides a portraiture of a family dynamic... this one is a winner."– Jack Fertig, San Francisco Bay Times